Detection of molecule networks in locus coeruleus in arthritis-induced pain

Objective: This study focuses on the in-depth analysis of the complex data correlations among arthritis, pain, the locus coeruleus, and linalool, so as to reveal the underlying mechanisms of of locus coeruleus in the treatment of arthritis-induced pain, providing a theoretical basis for subsequent precise interventions. Methods: Gene targets related to arthritis, locus coeruleus, pain, and linalool were collected from multiple databases, including GeneCards, TCMSP, ETCM, HERB, DrugBank, PubMed, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang. Venn analysis was conducted using jvenn to identify intersecting genes among these elements. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed and visualized, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Results: A total of 270, 4,415, and 6,766 gene targets related to the locus coeruleus, pain, and arthritis, respectively, and multiple linalool-associated targets were identified. Venn analysis yielded five key intersecting genes (IL6, TRPV1, CASP3, BDNF, DRD2). PPI network analysis showed close interactions among these genes. GO enrichment indicated involvement in inflammatory response, neuronal function, and cell proliferation, while KEGG pathways were mainly related to neurodegeneration and immune signaling. These results suggest that linalool may alleviate arthritis pain through specific molecular targets and pathways. Conclusions: This study has preliminarily clarified the potential connections among arthritis, pain, the locus coeruleus, and linalool at the molecular level, opening up new directions for the development of novel therapeutic strategies, especially for the relief of arthritis pain. Further, in vitro and in vivo experimental verifications are still needed to promote clinical translational applications.